CycleBar’s monthly charity ride begins with Harmony Home

Updated 11:29 am, Friday, April 21, 2017

CycleBar was founded in Boston and 2004, and has Bay Area locations in�Novato, Berkeley and Los Gatos.

CycleBar was founded in Boston and 2004, and has Bay Area locations in�Novato, Berkeley and Los Gatos.

Photo: CycleBar

CycleBar’s monthly charity ride begins with Harmony Home

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CycleBar is a new addition to the Midland fitness scene. The boutique-type gym is stocked with stationary cycles and staffed with instructors to help riders of all levels build strength and endurance and drop some excess pounds. But CycleBar also has a philanthropic side.

On Saturday, CycleBar will host “Go the Extra Mile for Children,” its first charity ride for the Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center.

“They connected with us, and so our staff went and we enjoyed it,” Harmony Home community resource director Anthony Vandenburg said.

As it turns out, philanthropic work was part of the deal for franchisees.

"Go the Extra Mile for Children"

For organizations interested in setting up a charity ride, contact CycleBar at midland@cyclebar.com.

“CycleBar is a franchise, and part of what that entails is called Cycle Giving,” Midland owner Ashley Robbins said. “We put a set price per bike, a link for the ride and all the proceeds go to the cause. It’s a nice way to get involved in the community.”

CycleBar is open to hosting charity rides for nonprofits, charities and will even consider fundraisers such as for an individual’s medical expenses or booster clubs. They will host a second ride for Make-A-Wish Foundation on April 29.

In addition to the 50-minute ride that is open to all fitness levels, Vandenburg and Harmony Home staff will be on hand to offer information about child advocacy centers, recognizing abuse and detailing volunteer opportunities. The event also ties into April being Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Through its programming, the Odessa-based agency helps children and families who have suffered abuse by offering rehabilitation and education in a safe space.

“We’re excited about this because it’s a new type of fundraiser,” Vandenburg said.

Supporters can sweat off the calories while contributing to the well-being of Permian Basin families. For the armchair-inclined, donations of $25 are being accepted.

CycleBar opened on March 30. Robbins said that as they settle into their schedules and clients, she expects them to host more charity rides.